Self-care: Top tips to look after YOU!

Most of us are busy being busy these days and very few of us make space for “me time” but as a person who has suffered from mental health problems since aged 10, I have become pretty good at self-care (finally).

So here are some top tips to look after yourself:

Pamper: There’s nothing I love more (other than my family/friends obvs) than having a facial, having my eye brows threaded and a good aromatherapy massage.

Bath: I LOVE having a relaxing bath on my own. Some scented candles and drops of Lavendar… this is my ultimate indulgence when I have a child-free hour or two.

Holidays: “I go away! It’s the only way for me to properly relax and get a break. Usually with friends because we live a long way from family so my husband has to look after the children! I even managed a whole weeks holiday with my sister in January, just the two of us, it was amazing. I always come back feeling utterly refreshed and rejuvenated. If I can’t get away for a whole weekend, I take half a day, or a day and go into the city on my own, and take my time to do only things I couldn’t fully enjoy with my young children! And if all of that isn’t on the cards, a bath a big glass of wine and an book or audio book,” said Kate from www.fivelittlestars.com

Sleep: “Sleep…just sleep! Any chance I get for a quick catch up nap, I’ll take it! I just never get enough,” said Carol at http://www.familymakes.com

Coffee: Irina at WavetoMummy.com said: “Sometimes I have a proper coffee break at work, so I go get an obscenely expensive and sugary coffee from Starbucks and aimlessly wander about some nearby shops.”

Why self-care is important:

If you run a business/have a career: Julie Roberts at Impelling Solutions said that sleep, exercise and your overall health has a huge impact on how well you run your business/career.

Mental Health: I am a big believer that we can help our own mental health through self-care. At the moment, I don’t feel stable enough to have counselling but I do have aromatherapy treatment which I love.

Happiness: Self-care isn’t selfish. I know by making myself happy, my positivity rubs off on those around me.

Physical Health: Self-care isn’t all about indulgence. Sometimes I love dancing,running and going to the gym Other times I hate it and just want to wallow at home. But I know that by getting out and keeping fit i.e. looking after myself my entire health improves.